Luciano Frattolin: Canadian dad arrested after allegedly dumping body of 9yo daughter in upstate New York pond
A Canadian coffee store owner is facing murder and corpse concealment charges after authorities say he killed his nine-year-old daughter while on holiday in upstate New York.
Luciano Frattolin, 45, had travelled to the Lake George region from Montreal, Canada, with his daughter, Melina, and on Saturday July 19 reported her missing to New York State Police.
Mr Frattolin’s claim that Melina had been abducted prompted an Amber Alert across the region the following day.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.However, the search took a tragic turn on Sunday when police discovered Melina’s body in a secluded, wooded pond in Ticonderoga underneath a log.
Investigators have since stated that discrepancies in Mr Frattolin’s version of events ultimately led to his arrest on homicide charges.
Mr Fratollin initially said he could not find his daughter after he stepped out of a wooded area in a car park near Lake George.
“During a subsequent interview, he then reports two unknown males forced her into a white van,” New York State Police Capt. Robert McConnell said.
“That lead was thoroughly investigated and disproven.”
Numerous outlets have noted that, before it was taken offline, Mr Frattolin’s coffee business website included a biography highlighting his close relationship with his daughter.
The page described Melina as the “light of his life,” and mentioned that Mr Frattolin cherished spending time with her in Montreal.
“His pursuits for building a more equitable and just world are deeply guided by his determination that she will not have to endure the same social injustices that he encountered throughout his childhood,” the page read according to CBS 6 Albany.
“Seeing the world through her eyes has also helped Luciano look for creative ways to reinforce and empower Melina to know, feel, and understand her own unique individual beauty and intellect.
“Melina has also taught Luciano to let go of his rigid tendencies to keep everything in ‘perfect order’ — his love for Melina’s messy art projects and chaotic ensemble of toys supersedes his love for a meticulously spotless home.”
According to CNN, Mr Fratollin has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has no prior criminal or domestic violence history.
